City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 19, 2021 A regular meeting of the Manistee City Council was called to order by his honor, Mayor Roger Zielinski on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:00 pm remotely as authorized by the Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.263a). PRESENT: David Bachman, Lynda Beaton, Roger Zielinski, Michael Szymanski, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac ABSENT: Jermaine Cipcic ALSO PRESENT: City Manager – Thad Taylor, City Attorney – George Saylor, City Clerk – Heather Pefley, Deputy Clerk – Lora Laurain, City Assessor – Molly Whetstone, DPW Director – Jeff Mikula, Finance Director – Ed Bradford, Police Chief – Josh Glass, Fire Chief – Mark Cameron, and City Engineer – Shawn Middleton CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS Tom Amor, 432 Fourth Street – spoke in favor of the proposed River and Water Streets housing project. CONSENT AGENDA • Minutes - January 5, 2021 Regular Meeting January 12, 2021 Special Meeting January 12, 2021 Work Session • Financial Reports Payroll December 2020 Invoices December 2020 • Notification Regarding Next Work Session – February 9, 2021, 7:00 pm A Council work session has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The Annual RRC Board and Commission Discussion to Identify and Prioritize Redevelopment Sites will take place, a discussion will be conducted on the SAFEbuilt rental program and food trucks; and such business as may come before Council. MOTION by Grabowski, second by Martin Pontiac to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Zielinski, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 21-07 Oceana County Housing Commission Manistee Limited Dividend Housing Association LP would like City Council to consider a 4% Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) so they can pursue Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA) tax credits to assist in financing their senior and work force housing project. | Page 1  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 19, 2021 As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced on January 12, 2021. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Beaton to approve Ordinance 21-07. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Zielinski, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING 2021 POVERTY EXEMPTION GUIDELINES AND NEW FEDERAL INCOME GUIDELINES AS APPROVED BY THE STATE TAX COMMISSION The adoption of a resolution establishing poverty exemption guidelines for exemption from property tax contributions is required in order for the Board of Review to grant poverty exemptions. The homestead of persons, who the Board of Review determines by reason of poverty to be unable to contribute to the public charge, is eligible for exemption in whole or in part from taxation under Public Act 253, 2020 (MCL 211. 7u). The State Tax Commission requires that the City of Manistee adopt this resolution every year and approve income guidelines adopted by the State Tax Commission. The resolution states that we use the Federal Income Guidelines and is substantially the same as last year’s resolution. MOTION by Bachman, second by Beaton to approve a resolution establishing 2021 Poverty Exemption Guidelines. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Zielinski, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO CARRY FORWARD GRANTED POVERTY EXEMPTIONS FOR 2021, 2022, AND 2023 The adoption of a resolution to implement a portion of Public Act 253 of 2020 which allows a local unit with a resolution to carry forward poverty exemptions that were granted in 2021, 2022, and 2023 for individuals that meet the income guidelines set for by the State Tax Commission. MOTION by Beaton, second by Szymanski to approve a resolution allowing the poverty exemptions to carry forward in 2021, 2022, and 2023. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Zielinski, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None | Page 2  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 19, 2021 CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The City Clerk has taken action to advertise vacancies on the Board of Review, Compensation Commission, Downtown Development Authority, PEG Commission, Tree Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Mayoral and Manager appointments require a motion, second and Council voted support. Nominations for Council appointments do not require a second. After all nominations are made, Council votes on nominees until one nominee receives majority support. The following applications have been received: *Incumbent Zoning Board of Appeals. Two vacancies – one term ending 05/31/22 and One term ending 05/31/23; Mayoral appointment. Linda R. Cihlar – 165 Quincy Street Mayor Zielinski appointed Linda R. Cihlar, 165 Quincy Street to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term ending 05/31/23. MOTION by Bachman, second by Grabowski to support the Mayor’s appointment of Linda R. Cihlar to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term ending 05/31/23. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Zielinski, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None A REPORT FROM MANISTEE RECREATION ASSOCIATION Manistee Recreation Association Executive Director Ms. Stephanie Carpenter reported on the activities of the MRA and responded to any questions the Council had regarding their activities. Carpenter explained that some of their regular programs were not able to be offered this past year due to Covid-19 restrictions. An adult run club was added during 2020 and plans are to add an outdoor walking group this year. The MRA was able to offer scholarships totaling $300 and provide use of necessary equipment to participants with that need. DISCUSSION OF BUDGET PRIORITIES City Manager Thad Taylor led a discussion with Council to get feedback on their budget priorities for the upcoming budget process. Following input was provided: • Bachman – balanced budget, plans to replace Fire Dept. ladder truck, and car allowances for the Fire Chief and Police Chief • Szymanski – improvements for Morton Salt Park such as playground equipment, dog area and seating; funds for blight removal • Zielinski – budget that meets the needs of department directors and maintains levels of service to residents | Page 3  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 19, 2021 • Grabowski – DPW trucks • Beaton – address overgrown City landscaping issues • Martin Pontiac – stay on track with planned street improvements CITIZEN COMMENT None OFFICIALS AND STAFF City Manager Taylor announced his intent to retire on 7/2/2021. Taylor thanked Council for the opportunity to serve the City of Manistee and will work with Council to search for his replacement. COUNCILMEMBERS All councilmembers congratulated City Manager Taylor on his upcoming retirement and thanked him for his service to the City of Manistee. Grabowski – asked DPW Director Mikula for an update regarding the water main project impacting Harbor Drive residents, and the tree removal at City Hall. ADJOURN MOTION to adjourn was made by Grabowski. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Lora Y Laurain Deputy Clerk Heather Pefley MiPMC/CMC City Clerk | Page 4